In collaboration with a University we are embarking on the following program of forensic research:

 

Extending the range and effectiveness of the GC and TLC analysis of explosives.

Improving the sensitivity and selectivity of the TEA detector.

Developing a reliable method for the detection and identification of traces of propellant grade nitrocellulose in gunshot residue samples, involving reliable discrimination from commercial grades.

Improved clean-up methods for the trace analysis of explosives in highly contaminated forensic samples.

Developing a sensitive and selective technique for the detection of peroxide based explosives in highly contaminated forensic samples.

Developing a simplified routine technique for the trace analysis of prostaglandins in the forensic trace analysis of semen traces in sexual offences cases.

Developing a more reliable selective method for the separation of cellular DNA from sperm head DNA.

Development of a reliable method for authenticating works of art using DNA profiling techniques.

 

SEPARATION OF SKIN PARTICLES FROM WHITE BLOOD CELLS

A method is being researched into the possibility of the separation of skin particles from red blood cells

in complex stains.

 

THE NITROCELLULOSE PROBLEM:

Current active research projects in this area (funded by ourselves) are as follows:

 

1: DEVELOPMENT OF A POSSIBLE DEFINITIVE METHOD FOR THE CHARACTERISATION AND DIFFERENTIATION OF FORENSIC SAMPLES OF ENERGETIC AND COMMERCIAL GRADES OF NITROCELLULOSE

 

This project is being carried out using a contract with Oxford University, and aims to try to develop a conclusive method whereby energetic and commercial grades of nitrocellulose can be reliably identified and differentiated.

 

2: ATTEMPTED DEVELOPMENT OF AN IMPROVED TRACE ANALYTICAL METHOD OF IMPROVED SENSITIVITY: CAPABLE OF RELIABLY DETECTING AND IDENTIFYING RESIDUES OF ENERGETIC GRADES OF NITROCELLULOSE DEPOSITED AS A RESULT OF FIREARMS DISCHARGE, AND ALSO CAPABLE OF CONCLUSIVELY DIFFERENTIATING SUCH RESIDUES FROM UBIQUITOUS LEVELS OF COMMERCIAL GRADES OF NITROCELLULOSE PRESENT IN THE GENERAL ENVIRONMENT

 

This project is being carried in house with a developed strategy in the process of attempting to be implemented.

 

ENDOGENOUS ALCOHOL:

Evidence for this phenomenon is tantalising.

This project aims to seek out appropriately physiologically challenged, or otherwise unique individuals, who exhibit likely expected symptoms, and to attempt to investigate, and define the circumstances where production of alcohol endogenously at levels that may exceed the capacity of the liver to immediately remove them by metabolism may exist.